Stranding Biologist:
General Duties: The Stranding Biologist will work with the Stranding Program Manager, contract veterinarians, staff, students, interns and volunteers to enhance reporting and response efforts for marine mammal strandings; collect consistent, high-quality data that are used to determine causes of strandings and death; support research projects; and engage in public education and outreach. Specifically, the position will help monitor a 24-hour stranding hotline; assist with and lead field stranding response; collect, archive and inventory samples; lead and participate in necropsies; manage data and documentation, including writing reports; maintain equipment and ensure safe and clean lab conditions; assist with public outreach activities and volunteer coordination; contribute to research projects, conduct data mining, and data analyses.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: BS degree in biology, marine science, wildlife biology, or other relevant field.
Minimum previous experience: 1 yr of experience in a related field
Requirements: Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; Applicant is required to obtain an Alabama vessel license and complete a DISL boating safety class, and should be willing to obtain a hazardous materials shipping certification within 6 months of employment. Occasional out-of-state and overnight travel required.
Skills and Abilities:
Strong written and verbal communication skills in a professional setting, including ease of speaking to the public and responsible use of social media
Physically fit, able to lift at least 50 lbs and strong swimmer
Ability to endure long hours under harsh field conditions, including temperatures ranging 20°F-100°F, rain, humidity and biting insects
Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships
Ability to work independently, think logically and apply problem-solving techniques
Calm demeanor under stressful conditions
Willingness to work irregular hours and be responsive and reliable at all times is essential
Knowledge and experience operating large vehicles, ATVs, kayaks, vessels up to 24’ and trailering
Must carry a “go-bag” when on-call and have dependable transportation for rapid response outside of normal business hours
Knowledge of marine mammal conservation issues, especially relating human interactions
Experience with computer software such as MS Office, and ArcGIS
Prior experience with stranding response and necropsy (marine mammal or other relevant large-animal experience) is a plus
Familiarity with MMPA, NOAA/NMFS and USFWS stranding protocols
The position is full-time for 1-year, with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance. Pay is competitive and will be commensurate with experience.
Supervision: The Stranding Biologist will be directly supervised by the Stranding Programs Manager in collaboration with the MMRP Director.
This physically demanding position will include work on some nights, weekends, and holidays and on-call as necessary. Applicants must be able to legally work in the U.S. at the time of application, without employer sponsorship. Interested applicants, please send a cover letter, CV, list of three references and date of availability to ALMMSN@disl.org before June 1, 2025, to be considered. Application review will begin immediately and will continue until a successful applicant is chosen. DISL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from the pool of candidates without regard to identity information.
Established in 2011, ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner that works in conjunction with NOAA's NMFS and USFWS to respond to dolphin, whale and manatee strandings. ALMMSN responds to an average of 40 cetacean and 3 manatee strandings annually, including 1-3 live marine mammal strandings per year. More information about ALMMSN and the DISL Marine Mammal Research Program can be found at https://www.disl.edu/research/marine-mammal-research-program or by contacting almmsn@disl.org.
